How I work from home and stay motivated.

I haven't done a post like this for a while! Just wanted to show you guys some new signs I've made lately :) In case you're new around here, I have a business called Framed where I make wood signs! Since I've been leaving so much lately (it seems from taking a week off for Iowa and a week for California) I've been working hard to stay ahead of orders so I can still do things I want to do. Since I've been feeling so much better, it's been great just working through the day and getting things done!

Some of you know I quit my job and started working from home to grow my business in January. I've never only worked from home before so it's been an adjustment figuring out how to stay motivated and productive 24/7. This can work for anyone who works from home or just wants to be more productive in the day so here is my little list on how to be as productive as possible!

1. Setting a schedule and STICKING TO IT.
One thing I really decided on when I got back from Iowa is that I NEEDED to have a schedule for myself! Working from home is great but it is also so easy to procrastinate and not be as productive as I would be if I were working for someone else. I had to sleep train myself. Haha yup, like a child! So I started going to bed around 10/10:30 every night and waking up at 6:30/7 everyday and it's been the best thing I've ever done for myself so far! It's so nice to just wake up early and begin the day getting everything done and not having to work until 11pm every night because I used to take so many breaks during the day because I COULD. I was sick a lot during the first 5 months of this pregnancy so lots of sick breaks put me behind throughout the day.

2. Get out of the house.
Getting out of the house helps me not go crazy being home all day. I usually try to scheduled appointments and errands (like grocery shopping, getting supplies, etc) throughout the week so that I am getting out of the house and not staying cooped up all day! There's been times when Jason gets home from work at about 7pm and the only time I went outside was to get a sign from the garage to paint. So scheduling things to get me out helps to keep my mind from going crazy and to still be productive outside of work!3. Take breaks.
I for sure take breaks. Sometimes I reward myself like "ok if I finish these signs then I can take a break to just sit down and do nothing for 15 minutes" or whatever it is! Taking breaks helps me get refocused and ready to finish my next tasks. I take lots of eating breaks because no one likes to work when they're hangry. Obviously be smart about breaks, though! I take a few breaks throughout the day but nothing excessive. Usually 2-3 eating breaks and a personal break so that I don't get too side tracked.

4. Make a to-do list and set daily goals.
I am all about to-do lists! Making to-do lists helps me stay on task and know exactly what my daily goals are for the day. I always feel soooooooo accomplished when I finish my to do list! I write my lists on a white board in my office and erase each task as I finish it. For some reason erasing it and seeing my list shrink gives me more motivation to keep it up and finish every last task!

5. Have a side hobby to work on.
Blogging is my side hobby, obviously! I love blogging and it's my little break from working when I get to catch up on reading friends blogs and writing my own. It's something I really do love and enjoy so much!! I'm actually blogging on my "personal break" right now! Jason always tells me I work way too much and I need to relax more so blogging has helped me do that!! I also nanny a day or two every week which is awesome to get out of the house and have a change of scenery. Find something on the side that you enjoy doing (working out, sports, blogging, crafting, whatever!) and make time to do it a few times a week. All work and no play isn't good for anyone.

That wraps up my tips! I've been wanting to write a post like this for a while as a reminder to myself and to hopefully help anyone else who needs that extra little push to stay productive! I think I want to start a little blog series on how I got to where I am working from home because I know a lot of you have mentioned you want to work from home! Obviously I don't run a multi-million dollar company but it makes enough to pay our bills and be debt free while Jason finishes up school. Jason works too, but as school gets busier and crazier, it's nice to know if he has to take a semester to only focus on school, we aren't going to become homeless or something haha. It's something I love to do and I really want to share any tips I can so if you have any questions, let me know!! :)

I feel like working from home is almost harder than going to an office or other job. I am forced to leave temptations like my bed. lol Mad props to you! I work in an office all day and still have trouble getting motivated. Usually takes a cup of coffee, or nine? (; Have a great weekend Girl!

Oh my goodness! I want to work from home! Also, I love, love, LOVE your work. Like, obsessed. I wish I had a skill that would make me decent money from home :( Sadly, I am not nearly talented enough. But, if I do acquire some talent soon, this will be an amazing resource :)

Ummmm you DO HAVE SKILL!!! Those cross stitch things you make are all amazing/gorgeous/ so cool!! You could easily make an etsy shop and sell those!! And thank you!! It takes lots of work but it's so worth it!

These are great tips girly! I would have zero disciple if I worked from home as much as I would LOVE that. I'm not as productive on my days off as I could be, so maybe I need to set myself up with some schedule to make sure I get stuff done!

Hi Candace! Oh my goodness look how beautiful you are as a mom-to-be! So exciting!!! I'm about to start working from home too, and this post was a great little reminder of what to expect and what to do! Thanks for sharing!

Hi! I'm Candace & this is my blog! I'm a picture hoarder and trying not to make this intro sound too cliche. I'm obsessed with my baby and force my husband to take pictures with me more than he would like. Stay awhile and be my friend :)